Ask the Experts: Previous Questions & Answers - Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

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Topics: Jumpring, Soldering

Q.

I understand the basics of soldering a jumpring, but everything I've read and watched shows soldering a jumpring by itself. I need to use soldered jumprings to permanently close a piece. In other words there will be closures and beadwork on either side of the jumpring I am soldering. How do I solder this jumpring without damaging my work?

- Karen
A.

Solder a sterling silver jumpring independently of the beadwork as soldering close to your beadwork could result in damaging the materials and creating a hazard for you (glass or gemstone materials could shatter from the heat). You can, however solder the jumprings to your findings which would then give you a "closed" element to work your beadwork from.

The order should be:

Choose a sterling silver clasp without a steel mechanism, such as a box clasp, S-hook or toggle clasp.
Add a suitably sized clean open jumpring to the clasp and close securely for soldering. Prepare another ring for the other side of the clasp.
Solder the jumprings individually with silver solder, flux and a butane torch, directing the heat to the rings only.*
Clean the jumprings with pickle to remove oxides and polish the jumprings and clasp to bring back the shine.
Add your finished beadwork with Accu-Flex® professional-quality beading wire and crimps or needle and thread directly to the soldered jumprings and clasp.

*Note: Use caution and follow safety procedures when working with an open flame, chemicals and particularly good ventilation.

- Sandra Lupo, Jewelry Designer and Instructor and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Ambassador

Materials